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Audi A8 Technologies

Drive Type

In spite of the fact that the preceding model Audi V8 featured an all-wheel drive "quattro" with no options available, Audi A8 buyers who go for less capacious gasoline-powered engines can choose between front- and all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive in this class isn`t thought to be a wide-spread one as the best models (in terms of the class they belong to) are as a rule provided with either rear- or all-wheel drive. One could also choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed automatic one, however after the restyling all models except S8 versiob featured automatic transmission. However today a buyer of any model starting from D3 can choose either smooth "Multitronic" or a "Tiptronic" with 6 dynamic speed modes. All diesel versions as well as gasoline-powered ones produced after 2005 feature all-wheel drive exclusively.

The Body

All Audi A8 bodies are fully aluminium consequently there can be no rust problems at all. This aluminium body was called "Audi Space Frame". Audi is known for its corrosion protection: the model that preceded the first Audi A8 had a lavishly galvanized body and corrosion was really a rare case. Audi A8 became the only long-run vehicle fully made of aluminium after Audi A2 was taken out of production.

The next step in the process of a new model development was automobile`s weight reduction and improved fuel economy. This goal was only partially accomplished as the car was provided with a lot of new technical units and components. All-wheel drive (Quattro) added some 100 kg to the automobile`s weight, for instance. Anyway, Audi A8 is still lighter than BMW 7-series or S-class Mercedes.

Audi A8 today is available as a motor car only, which is a sedan. There is no hybrid version on sale yet however Audi designers say it will be in production as soon as there will be a demand.

Audi introduced its hybrid version called "Avantissimo" (Audi A8 D2) during the World Automobile Motor Show in September, 2001. The car was a success one can say, therefore there is probably a chance that soon we`ll see a hybrid A8.

The list of standard equipment modern A8 boasts of includes adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Air Suspension, and a system of dynamic road illumination while turning. What is more, A8 is one of the first automobiles provided with an automobile phone with Bluetooth and SIM Access Profile instead of an ordinary hands free Bluetooth. fabia